Cincinnati Museum Center, known as CMC, is in the running to be named the best museum in the country in two different categories of a popular readers’ choice poll.
CMC’s Cincinnati History Museum, as well as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, was nominated alongside 18 other history museums across the country in USA Today’s 10Best History Museums Reader’s Choice Award poll. Nominees were selected by a panel of experts and editors. CMC’s Cincinnati Children’s Museum is also once again nominated in the 10Best Children’s Museums category.
Winners will be decided following a four-week online vote, with voting ending at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 9. You can vote in each category once per day and once per device.
The Cincinnati History Museum finished in the top three of the same poll in 2024 and 2025, while the Cincinnati Children’s Museum secured a spot in the top five both of those years. CMC says it’s hoping to climb in the rankings this year.
“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside the hundreds of incredible museums across the country, but this year, it’s time to confirm what we believe to be true: This city has the best museums in the country,” Elizabeth Pierce, CMC’s president and CEO, said in a press release.
According to 10Best’s leader boards, the Freedom Center is currently ranked second and Cincinnati History Museum is ranked third in their category, while the children’s museum is ranked first in its category.
Vote for the best history museum here and the best children’s museum here.
Camp Washington’s American Sign Museum has also been nominated for 10Best Pop Culture Museums, where it’s currently ranked No. 2 in votes. You can vote for that category through Feb. 18.
Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., West End, More info: cincymuseum.org.